Do You Need to Remove Snow from Your Pool Cover?
You made the investment in your own Wichita backyard oasis, and you want to take care of it year-round, not just in the summer. So, when the snow falls in Kansas, you want to pay attention to your swimming pool cover.
In this article, we look at whether or not you need to remove snow from your pool cover. First, let’s look at what happens when you have snow and ice on your swimming pool cover.
The Issue With Snow and Ice on Your Above Ground Cover
You may know that the walls and rail on your above ground pool are strong – they’re strong enough to hold all that water. But that is where it ends.
An above ground pool isn’t meant to hold extra weight. So, if you let the snow pile up on your pool cover, it gets super heavy, and strains your cover. And because your above ground pool cover is attached to your pool walls, the weight will pull the walls inward, and the whole pool may collapse.
So, it’s always a good idea to get snow off your above ground pool cover.
The Issue With Snow and Ice on Your Inground Cover
If your pool is closed for the winter, and you have a pool cover on it, there is a chance the snow can damage and stretch your cover. This is definitely an issue when you get into feet of snow and not just inches.
If you have a mesh or solid safety cover, you may not have as much as an issue, but it’s always a good idea to get the snow off your pool cover.
Wondering how much the snow weighs on your pool cover? Check out this calculator to see >
Here are some basic things to think about if you have under two feet of snow on your cover:
- Your winter pool cover can generally handle the weight. If you aren’t sure, contact us or check your owner’s manual. Make sure that you maintain your water level under the cover to three to six inches below the skimmer opening. This is important so that your solid cover doesn’t tear or cave in.
- For mesh safety covers, you may be concerned that they look like they’ll break from the heavy snow. Don’t worry, though, because once the ice and snow melt, it will generally bounce back. Don’t try to break your cover free from any ice. Again, check with your owner’s manual for more info.
- Get your cover pump out if you have a slid cover. Why? When it starts to melt, you don’t want standing water on the cover as it can damage it.
For more than two feet of snow:
- You want to try to remove about a foot or two of snow from around the pool edge. Clearing this area will help with drainage when the snow melts.
- It’s ok to use a very soft broom to remove some of the snow from your cover, but again check with your owner’s manual.
More Tips For Getting the Snow Off
Now that you have some tips, it’s worth mentioning that it’s easier to get new snow off your pool cover than snow that’s melted a bit and refrozen.
Tackling the snow earlier makes it easier to brush off. Here are a few ways to get snow off your cover:
- When the snow is light, you can use your vacuum pole with the brush attachment to reach the middle of your pool. You can also use your leaf blower to blow the snow away.
- If you have a lot of accumulation, use a long-handled broom with soft bristles.
- Use a cover pump to remove melting snow and ice.
- Don’t ever use anything with sharp edges. Just say no to the snow shovel.
Final Thoughts on Snow on Your Pool Cover
When the snow starts to fall, give us a call to learn more about if and when you want to remove snow from your pool cover.
Our expert staff is well-equipped to give you the best advice.
If you don’t have a pool and you’re thinking about getting one, stop by one of our three locations today! We are Wichita’s favorite pool builder and pool service team!
